4 major Carolina Panthers differences under Steve Wilks in 2022
By Dean Jones
What are the major differences across the Carolina Panthers under interim head coach Steve Wilks since Matt Rhule was fired?
There are just five games remaining for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. However, there is still a lot on the line and the future of interim head coach Steve Wilks beyond the current campaign is the talk of the town right now.
Matt Rhule’s cataclysmic three years at the helm came with no progression and turned the Panthers into the league’s laughing stock. Thankfully, team owner David Tepper eventually saw sense and removed the former Bayor man, who got back in the saddle quickly thanks to a bumper eight-year contract worth a reported $72 million to take over at Nebraska.
Wilks has left a tremendous impression since his promotion. It’s not where the respected figure wants it to be just yet, but the growing calls for Tepper to remove the interim tag are a testament to his vast improvements in a relatively short timeframe.
On this topic, we picked out four major Panthers’ differences under Wilks’ leadership in 2022.
Difference No. 1
Carolina Panthers are better prepared
One of the biggest criticisms of Matt Rhule was his inability to prepare or adjust effectively before and during NFL games. The excuses were lengthy whenever the Carolina Panthers fell flat on their face – which was often – but talk is cheap and Steve Wilks’ all-business approach and professional attitude are having the desired effect.
Wilks is a legitimate coach that knows how to scheme things up according to the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses. He also knows how to maximize the weapons at his disposal, which is helping enormously.
Carolina is still finding life difficult on the road. But they can at least go into almost every game knowing they have a shot thanks to the knowledge they acquire during their weekly game planning.